Lin Jingzhu’s black and white eyes shimmered with a dreamy glow.
Mustering up her courage, she lifted her chin and softly pressed her delicate lips against his.
...
...
Yangxin Palace.
The Empress sat on the Phoenix Throne, her eyes unfocused, lost in thought.
Sun Senior Palace Lady, standing by and brewing tea, frowned, "Your Highness, where have you been today? You left the palace without notifying me. The city is full of chaos and danger; what if something happened to you..."
The Empress would usually sneak out of the palace, but Sun Senior Palace Lady would accompany her for safety.
But this time, she kept it a secret from everyone; nobody knew where she went.
"Your Highness?"
Seeing the Empress absent-minded, Sun Senior Palace Lady frowned deeper.
The Empress came back to her senses and shook her head, "I just went for a stroll, plus Zhu’er was with me. What could possibly happen?"
Sun Senior Palace Lady, seeing this, said nothing more and presented the tea cup with both hands, saying, "I just received news that today’s ceremony at the Imperial College exceeded expectations significantly. Ninety percent of the Sect Disciples have signed the regulations, and there is great enthusiasm. Some have even gone to nearby counties to serve."
"According to the report by Imperial College Deputy Director Wu Shuhong, Mr. Chen deserves all the credit for the smooth progress of the new course."
"He publicly defeated the chief of Martial Saint Mountain, establishing a high prestige among the Sect Disciples..."
Listening to Sun Senior Palace Lady’s report, the Empress’s expression seemed unnatural.
She had witnessed the entire process personally and knew everything clearly. Chen Mo even teased her in class and mentioned joining the group... That cannot happen!
"The little thief is coming over tonight; what should I do if he uses force?"
"With his outrageous behavior, he might do anything..."
At this thought, the Empress could not sit still any longer, stood up, and walked outside the hall.
Sun Senior Palace Lady asked, "Your Highness, where are you going?"
"I want some time alone; you need not follow." The Empress replied without looking back.
Watching her back, Sun Senior Palace Lady secretly frowned.
"What happened to Her Highness today?"
The Empress wandered aimlessly through the inner courtyard of the deep palace, her pretty face slightly flushed as she contemplated the events that might occur tonight, feeling anxious, nervous, and a tiny bit of anticipation she herself hadn’t noticed.
Worried the little thief might act recklessly, yet also afraid he might not come...
Unknowingly, she arrived at the entrance to Xuanqing Pool.
She hesitated for a moment before lifting her leg and walking inside.
"Well, since I’m here, might as well take a soak."
...
Inside the pool.
Lin Jingzhu’s soft chest rose and fell as her breathing quickened, helplessly leaning against Chen Mo’s embrace.
Her mind went blank, as if her consciousness had been drawn away, and only after a long time did she return to her senses.
"Mr. Chen..."
"Hmm?"
Lin Jingzhu climbed out of his embrace, followed by the sound of rustling clothes, then the gentle splash of entering the water.
"Alright..."
Chen Mo glanced back and was momentarily stunned.
He saw Lin Jingzhu immersed in the pool water, only her cheeks above the surface. Yet, because the pool water was so clear, a hint of her fair skin was still faintly visible...
"Mr. Chen, do you want to join me for a wash?"
"?"
"The pool is big enough, we can each take a side."
Lin Jingzhu’s cheeks flushed as she spoke.
Chen Mo was about to speak when he suddenly sensed something, and his expression shifted slightly.
"Didn’t you say Her Majesty the Empress wouldn’t come today?"
"Huh?"
Lin Jingzhu was stunned, "Auntie is here?"
Chen Mo nodded, "She’s almost at the door now."
With the last incident in mind, he had deliberately split a part of his Divine Sense to stay alert. Turns out, what he feared most happened—The Empress was indeed here!
Lin Jingzhu quickly grew anxious as well.
Auntie has always opposed their being together, and if caught in the pool, who knows what chaos might ensue!
In a hurry, without much thought, she urgently said, "Mr. Chen, how about you hide like last time, underneath..."

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